The Tacurong City Sports and Cultural Center was a vibrant canvas of innovation and artistry as Tukib Tacurong 2025: Creative Convergence unfolded on June 16-17, 2025. Part of the Lunsod Lunsad Program, this two-day celebration brought together the brightest local talents and creatives under one roof, marking a major milestone in Tacurong City’s cultural and artistic renaissance.
Spearheaded by the City Government of Tacurong under the leadership of Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito, MD, DPA, in partnership with the City Tourism Section and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event was a bold declaration of the city’s commitment to nurturing its creative industries while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
A Festival of Expression and Innovation
Dubbed as a Creative Convergence, Tukib Tacurong transformed the cultural center into a dynamic platform for competition, collaboration, and community pride. Artists and innovators from various disciplines showcased their talents through a series of themed competitions, including:
- Mga Tukib nga Istorya: Microstory Challenge – where writers painted vivid tales with minimal words
- Flavors of Tacurong Culinary Battle – a feast of flavors highlighting the city’s gastronomic flair
- TacurongKnown: Creative Souvenir Challenge – presenting original, meaningful mementos rooted in local identity
- Sayaw Tukib: A Dance Discovery – a choreographers’ showdown celebrating movement and narrative
- Runway Revolution: Sustainable Style Contest – fashion with a conscience, blending sustainability and design
- Kudong Stories: Shortfilm Competition – short films that gave voice to Tacurongnon experiences
- Kulturang Tacurong, Reel it, Feel it! – capturing the city’s soul through multimedia storytelling
These competitions didn’t just entertain—they reflected the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of the Tacurongnon people. The event emphasized that art is not just an aesthetic pursuit, but a force for cultural continuity and socio-economic development.
Leadership Behind the Limelight
The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Nestor Casador, representing Mayor Lechonsito. Also in attendance were Jessriel Franch Ariz, President of the Sultan Kudarat Youth Federation, who spoke on behalf of SP Member Atty. Ralen Tabusares, and DTI Sultan Kudarat Provincial Director Mary Ann Martinez Morales, CESE, who shared an inspiring reflection on “pagtukib”—a journey of growth, tradition, and discovery.
Flora Politud-Gabunales, CESO V, Regional Director of DTI-XII, highlighted the rising significance of the creative sector in community empowerment and local economic progress.
Senior Tourism Officer Ms. Emilie P. Jamorabon and her team played a central role in curating and organizing the event, ensuring a meaningful and well-executed celebration of Tacurong’s finest.
A Vision Realized
Tukib Tacurong 2025 was more than an event—it was a movement. It served as a powerful reminder that creativity is deeply embedded in Tacurong’s identity and is a vital pillar of its future. From microstories to dances, souvenirs to sustainable fashion, the city proved that its people don’t just create—they inspire.
As the curtains closed on this year’s edition, one thing was clear: in Tacurong, ideas don’t just spark—they soar.
For more cultural and tourism updates from Tacurong City, follow the City Tourism Office’s official page.